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Golden Circle Day Tours
Whale Watching from Reykjavik

Whale Watching from Reykjavik

Meet Iceland's gentle giants in Faxafloi Bay

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Duration

3 hours

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Group Size

Max 80

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From

12500 ISK

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Departure

09:00 & 13:00 daily

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Language

English

Whale Watching in Reykjavik

Faxafloi Bay, just minutes from Reykjavik's Old Harbour, is one of Iceland's premier whale watching locations. Our 3-hour tour takes you into these rich feeding grounds where minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises are regular visitors. With a 95% sighting success rate, your chances of encountering these magnificent creatures are excellent.

Marine Biologist Guides

Every tour is led by a qualified marine biologist who can identify species, explain their behaviour, and answer your questions about Iceland's marine ecosystem. When a whale surfaces, your guide provides real-time commentary on what the animal is doing and why. This educational element transforms a boat trip into a genuine wildlife experience.

What You Might See

Minke whales are the most frequently spotted species, often surfacing close to the boat. Humpback whales have become increasingly common in recent years, sometimes breaching spectacularly. White-beaked dolphins are playful and curious, often riding the boat's bow wave. From mid-April to mid-August, Atlantic puffins nest on nearby islands and can be seen bobbing on the water or flying overhead.

Comfort on Board

Our whale watching vessel has both outdoor viewing decks and a warm indoor cabin with large windows. A cafe serves hot drinks and snacks. We provide warm overalls and rain gear so you can stay comfortable on deck even in cool or wet conditions. The boat is stable and well-suited to the relatively sheltered waters of Faxafloi Bay.

Practical Information

Tours depart from the Old Harbour in central Reykjavik, which is within walking distance of most hotels. Check in 30 minutes before departure. The tour runs year-round with two daily departures in summer and one in winter. Dress warmly and consider taking seasickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness.

Tour Itinerary

1

Harbour Check-in(30 min)

Arrive at the Old Harbour in Reykjavik 30 minutes before departure. Collect your warm overalls and rain gear.

2

Departure(20 min)

Sail out of Reykjavik harbour into Faxafloi Bay.

3

Whale Watching(2 hours)

Cruise through the bay searching for minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Your marine biologist guide identifies species and explains their behaviour.

4

Return to Harbour(20 min)

Sail back to Reykjavik Old Harbour.

What's Included

  • Harbour departure from Reykjavik
  • Marine biologist guide
  • Warm overalls & rain gear
  • Free rebooking if no whales
  • On-board cafe
  • Free cancellation up to 24h

Not Included

  • Hotel transfer (harbour is walkable)
  • Food & drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Seasickness tablets

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common species in Faxafloi Bay are minke whales and white-beaked dolphins. Humpback whales are increasingly common. Orcas are occasionally spotted. Whale sighting success rate is approximately 95%.

Safety & Conditions

Sea Safety

Life jackets are available on board. Follow all crew instructions. Stay seated when the boat is moving at speed.

Weather

Tours operate in most weather conditions. In severe storms, tours may be cancelled with a full refund or free rebooking.